Arch Manning showcased his prowess as both a passer and a runner on December 27, 2023, leading the Texas Longhorns to a decisive 41-27 victory over the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl. Manning’s standout performance included two touchdown passes and a game-clinching 60-yard touchdown run, earning him the game’s Most Valuable Player award.
Manning’s impressive statistics reflected his impact on the game. He completed 21 of 34 passes for a total of 221 yards and rushed for 155 yards on nine carries. With his 60-yard run, Manning gave Texas a commanding 38-27 lead, marking the first time in the game that either team had a margin greater than one score. This run underscored Manning’s ability to change the momentum of the match, just moments after he had thrown a 30-yard touchdown pass to Kaliq Lockett that shifted the score to 31-27 in favor of Texas.
Manning demonstrated his leadership by converting on two crucial fourth downs during the game, extending drives that ultimately resulted in touchdowns. His performance was pivotal in a match where Texas had to navigate the absence of their three leading rushers, all of whom are entering the transfer portal. Freshman running back Christian Clark stepped up admirably, rushing for 105 yards on 20 carries and scoring one touchdown.
Michigan’s freshman quarterback, Bryce Underwood, kept the Wolverines competitive throughout the game. He completed 23 of 42 passes for 199 yards and threw two touchdown passes. Despite his efforts, Underwood’s late-game struggles included two interceptions that helped seal the Wolverines’ fate. One interception occurred after Texas regained the lead, with Ty’Anthony Smith making a key play over the middle. Underwood also contributed with a 5-yard touchdown run that gave Michigan a temporary lead of 27-24 with just under 11 minutes remaining in the game.
The Citrus Bowl marked a challenging conclusion to the season for Michigan, which finished with a record of 9-4. The team, recently under the interim leadership of Biff Poggi, was missing key defensive players who opted out of the game. Poggi had previously led Michigan to victories against Nebraska and Central Michigan while head coach Sherrone Moore served a suspension related to a sign-stealing scandal that embroiled the program.
Looking ahead, Michigan has appointed Kyle Whittingham as its new head coach. Whittingham brings a wealth of experience from his 21 years at Utah, where he established a reputation for toughness and discipline. His leadership is seen as essential for restoring stability to a program that has faced significant challenges in recent months.
The Associated Press contributed to this report, highlighting the significance of Manning’s performance and the implications for both teams moving forward. The victory for the Longhorns capped a strong season, finishing with a record of 10-3, while Michigan will look to regroup under new leadership as it prepares for the future.
